Descriptions of the Sessions
You may click the title of the session to see where it appears in the overall schedule. There are also links to the bios for the presenters.
Beyond Sustainability: The Promise of Permaculture, Biomimicry and Emerging Social Paradigms
Peter Horn, Susan Horn & Chandra Hartman
Collaborating on green design/build and service projects for more than a decade, Chandra Hartman, Susan Horn and Peter Horn – The Green Team – believe we can do better than mere sustainability; Cultural Creatives like William McDonough, Starhawk and the Bioneers agree.
Beyond Sustainability, Session 1: Exploration
Explore where we are now, and where we can go from here, with inspiration from some of the planet’s best and brightest Cultural Creatives.
Beyond Sustainability, Session 2: Applications
Plant seeds of vision for a thriving and abundant future, applying available technologies, methods and frameworks.
Chautauqua and Disney: Values-Based Success
Mark David Jones
Have you ever wondered why the Disney Company is renowned for consistent world-class quality and service? This presentation will introduce the behind-the-scenes processes and tools that Disney uses to succeed by living the Chautauqua values of lifelong learning and civil discourse every day, for the “greatest good of all people.” Discover Walt Disney’s vision for Epcot and how the legendary Imagineers continually create innovative breakthroughs in every aspect of the day-to-day operation. You’ll hear “insider stories” and view exclusive, rarely seen visuals showing how the Disney/Chautauqua Approach can be adapted to help achieving personal and professional goals.
Christian Ethics: Cloning, Conservation, and Control
Ronnie McBrayer
Genetic engineering. Environmentalism. Technological advancement. Can the Christian faith inform belief on these issues, or should faith be reserved for the traditional discussions of morality? Ronnie McBrayer concludes that faith does influence these marquis matters as well as a plethora of other 21st century ethical dilemmas. McBrayer explores the premise that motivation, more than the act itself, can ultimately determine rightness or wrongness in the emerging culture.
Cleansing Your Air with Inside Plants
or "How To Grow Fresh Air"
Dara Dobson
Studies of interactions between plants and people have provided overwhelming evidence that plants have a measurable beneficial effect on people and spaces they inhabit. Plants not only add beauty to a room, they actively remove chemicals from the air. Our homes and offices are now constructed and furnished with dozens of products containing plastics and other synthetic materials. These materials emit many toxic chemicals and gases into the air we breathe. House plants not only provide beauty in our homes and offices they clean our air which can reduce many health problems. (This program is based on research done by NASA as documented in the book "How To Grow Fresh Air" by Dr. B.C. Wolverton.)
Connecting Within: Meditation and the Art of Living
June Enfinger
This session will include two parts: 1) Theory - a lecture on meditation basics and eliminating misconceptions, and 2) Practice - a guided meditation relaxing body, breath and mind into stillness and silence. Correct meditation is simple, natural and effortless. Like that, by incorporating the deeper aspects of Being, life becomes an "art" instead of a struggle. Using inner research will facilitate our exploration of this year's Assembly theme: "Where Are We Now ?" If you are new to meditation, join us to begin your practice. If you are experienced in meditation, join us to share your insights as well as your practice.
Cultural Events in Rural America
Chuck Hinson
The session will describe bringing cultural events to rural areas, and the economic impact of doing so.
From the Edge of Africa to the Heart of Florida: Creating Conservation on a Global Scale
Carlton Ward
Using his films, photographs and books, Carlton will take us on an exploratory journey from the rain forests deep in the Congo basin to Florida’s vanishing ranchlands and coastal fishing communities. We will recognize the power of photographs to influence public perceptions and inspire change. Carlton seeks pictures that capture the essence of subjects in a way that will engage readers and help carry the science-based messages to broader audiences. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the author, purchase his books and view and purchase prints of his work at the Florida Chautauqua Art Show during the Assembly.
Grand Afternoon Tea Serenade
Ellen Mayfield and the Victorian Tea Ladies
Friday Tea
Saturday
Tea
Sunday Tea
All walks of life from miles around will take a step back in time…a timeless pleasure…for homemade, hand cut traditional afternoon tea fare…served on fine china with a delicious Earl Grey tea. Hostess Ms. Joyce Spires Potter will greet you at the front porch of her parents’ historic 1929 Spires Cottage in beautiful Victorian attire and seat you at a cozy table with beautiful appointments. You will meet new friends and renew old acquaintances while you enjoy a restful repast. Your Afternoon Tea experience a la Miss Ellen will be one to remember until next year when you return. Seating is limited and large parties must reserve in advance by calling Miss Ellen at 850-428-4527 in order to accommodate your needs. Tea Time is 2 until 5 o’clock, Friday thru Sunday and tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are $20.
Happiness: How To Find It Anywhere
Dr. Johnny Savage
The goal of this session is to help everyone to find more happiness in their life. It will include:
- The ego and how it relates to happiness
- The seven word sentence to ask at any moment
- The six personal characteristics of happiness
- The two words to improve your relationship with everyone
- Your DNA and how it affects your happiness
A 15 day guide to happiness will be presented, poems on happiness will be read. Are you divinely created to be dis-content? If so, what can you do about it. Come and learn how to be happy!
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Catalyst for Civil War
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the pivotal book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Jan’s performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Mrs. Stowe was very much in demand after the publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and was frequently asked by abolitionist groups to receive petitions for the ending of slavery. Although she had no more power to act on these petitions than anyone else, she knew she could encourage her co-workers in the cause of abolition and was, therefore, willing to appear at these meetings as a silent symbol. Jan’s performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may interact with the character.
Historic Impressions
Tom McGee
Historic Impressions is a one-man show that will feature material from Judge (Ret.) Tom McGee’s column VOIR DIRE: To Speak the Truth, that appears weekly in THE WALTON SUN. This series of tales arise from the experience of being born and raised in Louisiana and spending half his life as a trial lawyer, prosecutor and judge. McGee adds some spice to his stories, as with any good gumbo, and disguises some identities to protect the guilty.
Investing In Turbulent Times
Gene Borcz
Volatility returned to the stock market in 2007. Popular U.S. stock market indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ composite have registered moves of 100, 200 and more points per day. Is this kind of activity more turbulent than usual, or does it just seem that way? The purpose of this session is to explore market volatility:
- What is normal and what is not?
- What should investors expect?
- How should stock investors deal with the ups and downs in the marketplace?
Jesus the Revolutionary: Freeing Christ from Policy in Politics
John Napoli
Throughout history, the teachings of Christ have been used to manipulate and influence policy. Beginning with the original recipients of Christ's message, explore the evolution of this political influence from Christendom to modern Christianity in the 21st century.
Katie Ott and the Premier Harp Ensemble
Katie Ott
Master Harpist Katie Ott and her Premier Harp Ensemble will present a delightful variety of harp selections which will fill the sacred space of historic St Agatha's Episcopal Church with ethereal sounds and images. Included in the selections will be Maestro David Ott's Angel Harp. Dr. Ott is Music Director and Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Northwest Florida and will provide lecture comments for the audience in order to fully appreciate the harp, Katie's talents and a background understanding of the selections for further enjoyment. Visit Katie's website at www.gulfcoastharpist.com for more information.
Ladybird Johnson
Karen McGee
Karen will be performing a one-woman presentation about the life of Ladybird Johnson, a motherless southern girl who became a self-made millionaire and wife of one of the most powerful politicians in the nation’s history.
Lewis Grizzard: One More Time!
Bill Oberst Jr.
“Lewis Grizzard: One More Time” is an encore presentation of last year’s one-man show, with all new material from the writings of the inimitable Lewis Grizzard. Bill Oberst Jr. portrays the late best-selling author who was the most widely-syndicated newspaper columnist in American history. Presented in two acts, the show encompasses both Grizzard’s onstage humor; with jokes and stories from his popular stage act, and the poignant nature of his illness and early death; with excerpts from his last books and columns. The show has been critically-praised across the South. More on the web at www.lewisgrizzard.com.
Oneness: Great Principles Shared by all Religions
Jeffrey Moses
Jeffrey Moses will read from and discuss his book, Oneness: Great Principles Shared by all Religions, which reveals the underlying unity of all religions. "Speaking Truth", "Honoring Thy Father and Mother", "The Golden Rule", "Love Thy Neighbor". These and other axioms and many others are not only common to all religions, they are even expressed in similar ways. Essential core beliefs shared by all religions belie their superficial differences. These similarities have an overwhelming power to create unity. The soul may therefore question: "Why then are there so many conflicts?"
Panhandle Historic Preservation Alliance Exhibition
Member organizations offer a series of lectures, presentations, demonstrations and exhibits regarding Northwest Florida's heritage.
A Pictorial Visit to Chautauqua, New York
Alex Alexander
Originally founded in 1874 in Western New York State, the Chautauqua Institution is both a historic Victorian village situated in a beautiful lakeside setting and a 9-week summer festival for mind and body. As told through the photographs and experiences of a regular “Summer Chautauquan”, we’ll visit the gingerbread style cottages, the 5,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre, the bell tower, marina, library, shops, lecture halls, churches, parks, historic hotels, and charming gardens that collectively create an ambiance enjoyed by more than 170,000 people each summer. And if you’re thinking about visiting Chautauqua yourself, you won’t want to miss the practical tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, and how to enjoy your summer Chautauqua experience to its fullest.
Serving Up Comedy and Inspiration: Lunch with Marsha Marks
Marsha Marks
Using her favorite saying "It's not rejection, it's redirection,” the author, humorist, motivational speaker and radio star will serve up a delightful mix of humor and inspired accounts of how a flight attendant can become a best-selling author and inventor of GIFT TAG BOOKS. Marsha Marks career goal is simple: she wants to be the Martha Stewart of Publishing (without the prison part, of course!). She is currently working on a novel entitled THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT REPORT about a flight attendant and writer who is too worldly for the church and too churchy for the world.
Spaghetti Supper
DeFuniak Springs Women's Club
The supper includes salad, pasta with homemade sauces (meat or vegetarian available), bread, homemade desserts, coffee or tea. Dine in or take out. Proceeds benefit Women's Club projects.
Tour of Old Home Place
Kenneth Harrison
Take a trip back into Walton County's early days as a visitor to the Harrison family homeplace, a beautifully preserved 19th century log farmhouse. There you will enjoy gracious hospitality and a delicious Southern fried catfish dinner with all the trimmings. After lunch, guests will visit one of the earliest schoolhouses in the county and then on to the Glendale Nature Preserve for a close-up look at our unique Panhandle landscape. Spaces are limited for this event. The bus will depart from the Hall of Brotherhood at 11:00 am and return at 4:00 pm.
Vespers: Evening Devotional on Lake DeFuniak
As the sun is setting in the “Land of Summer,” Chautauquans will gather on the Porch of the Hall of Brotherhood overlooking Lake DeFuniak to celebrate the day and welcome the evening in song and worship. A traditional Chautauqua Vespers service lasting thirty minutes will include a beautiful litany as well as selections from the Chautauqua Choir. To quote John Vincent, founder of Chautauqua, “There was music at Chautauqua-centuries of it-before the days of the Assembly… when the birds sang among the trees…when the waves of the lake broke softly on the beach…when the winds whispered through the leafy branches…” We will attempt to do this “music” justice.
A Visit with Louisa May Alcott
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Louisa May Alcott, the author of "Little Women". The performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may talk to the character. Miss Alcott will come in after having had a minor carriage accident and will be waiting for the carriage to be repaired. She will be most grateful for your company.
A Visit with Phebe Emerson: Eyewitness to Revolution
Jan Turnquist
Jan will portray Phebe Emerson, a minister's wife who lived in Concord, Massachusetts and watched the famous fight at the Old North Bridge on the very first day of the American Revolution, April 19, 1775. She watched from the windows of her own house, which stands next to the bridge. The performance is a combination of stage drama and living history. Unlike a play, however, the performance is a living history performance, and the audience may interact with the character. When Jan enters as Mistress Emerson, she will be a bit upset. While walking to Concord center she was frightened by some hogs running loose. Agitated, but basically unhurt, she has been brought to this room to catch her breath. This is your chance to discover what it was really like in Concord on that fateful day when the Redcoats marched in from Lexington.
Walking Tour of Lake DeFuniak
Carol Puckett
Here is your chance to have an up-close look at the lovely architectural gems that are situated on Circle Drive. Learn the history of Walton County's first planned community and how DeFuniak Springs is tied to the New York Chautauqua since its inception in the late 1800's. Step into some of the most architecturally significant homes and structures on the Circle. The session will begin with a "brown bag" lunch lecture in the main room at the Hall of Brotherhood. Lunches will be available for purchase by session patrons for $6.00. Following the lecture, the tour will begin. It is 1.2 miles around the circuit and we will be walking!
Walton County: Where We Were
Brenda Rees
Walton County's borders had many twists and turns. The first border of Walton County was much larger than it is today. Walton County native Brenda Rees explores border changes and the life of Walton County namesake George Walton, Jr. in a presentation using maps, documents and pictures from the past.
Where We Are Now in Healthcare
Roger Hall
With national health expenditures on the rise, growing issues with health insurance, escalating demand for transparency around pricing, in creasing consumer awareness and ever-evolving technology, the healthcare industry faces numerous challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Key issues confronting hospitals specifically include financial challenges, physician relations, care for the uninsured, personnel shortages and quality. Improving the patient experience is the overarching goal of all healthcare providers, and the new patient care navigator role creates new opportunities and expectations in coordinated care. The quality of healthcare truly depends on the quality of leadership at the local, state and national levels.
Where We Are Now and Where We Are Heading: A Student's Perspective
Matthew Christ
An expose on where we are now and where we are heading from a youthful perspective. Matthew Christ will examine the political, cultural, and economic influences of our current society and how his generation will be shaped by these influences. Join Christ for a perspective of today's world that in the coming few years will be viewed as commonplace when the next generation takes "the throne."
Yoga on the Porch
June Enfinger
These early-morning Yoga sessions will consist of easy stretching Coupled with basic breathing practices to awaken and energize the body followed by conscious body awareness and relaxation and still meditation. These practices will be within everyone's capabilities. Those with no previous yoga experience can take this opportunity to acquaint themselves with this practice and its benefits. Those with experience can use it to connect with others who practice yoga. All should find it an uplifting beginning for the Assembly activities of each day. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and bring a blanket. See http://juneenfinger.googlepages.com for more information.